Review: Engaging and soulful, coming-of-age drama Lady Bird will appeal to many

Written and directed by Greta Gerwig and starring Irish actress Saoirse Ronan in the lead role, Lady Bird follows 17-year-old Christine MacPherson through her final year of high school in Sacramento, California, during the economic downturn of 2002.

Living on the wrong side of the tracks in a small overcrowded house and going by the self given nick name of ‘Lady Bird’, the artistic Christine has to cope with her family’s financial struggles, while rehearsing for the school play, applying for college, and taking her first steps into romance with new boyfriend Danny (Lucas Hedges).

The excellent script from Gerwig, who based the film loosely on her home town, is witty and vibrant, keeping the focus solely on Lady Bird as she copes with the ups and downs of adolescence.

The talented Saoirse Ronan is fast becoming one the best actresses of her generation and is remarkably still only 23.

She further enhances her reputation here with a captivating performance as the awkward but likeable teen.

Her chemistry with her co-stars is clear to see, particularly Laurie Metcalf who is outstanding as Lady Bird’s overbearing but loving mother Marion.

Supportive best friend Julie is played by relative newcomer Beanie Feldstein and many of the films funniest moments come from the humorous exchanges between the pair.

When the Oscar nominations were made in January, Gerwig became only the fifth ever woman to be nominated in the best director category and the film has four further nominations for best film, original screenplay and best actress nods for Ronan and Metcalf.

The quality of the film is such that it would be no surprise to see it walk away with more than one of those awards come March 4.

The film marks an impressive directorial debut from Gerwig, who prior to this was predominantly known for her work as an actress in films such as 20th Century Women and Jackie.

With Lady Bird she proves she is equally as skilled at storytelling.

Exploring the gap between childhood and adulthood, Lady Bird is a soulful and engaging coming-of-age drama with a charm which will appeal to many.

Bury St Edmunds have given themselves a fighting chance of avoiding a relegation play-off, something that was almost unthinkable a fortnight ago, following a third victory of the season over Cambridge Granta on Saturday.